Empowering Social Enterprise
April 2-8, 2023 : 7 days/6 nights
$1999 ($450 deposit) : Visiting Visiting Guatemala City, Antigua, Ciudad Vieja, Santa Cruz la Laguna, San Juan la Laguna
Deadline for Registration: March 2, 2023
About This Trip
Arriving at Aurora International Airport in Guatemala City, your Naturally Smart Host will be waiting to greet you as you exit the airport doors. Our first stop, to our socially-conscience hotel located within the modern, bustling energy of Zone 4.
Once settled in, we'll enjoy a quick siesta before enjoying a Bienvenidos Dinner at one of the most celebrated restaurants in town to welcome the night.
After a delicious breakfast the following morning, we'll visit with women empowering women before journeying on to the city of Antigua to learn about access to potable water. We'll also visit Lake Atitlan, smoke-free cooking stoves, access to solar, microfinance, and more ways businesses are raising the quality of life across the country.
Along the way, we'll embrace Mayan culture, visit rural communities, and meet directly with organizations throughout one of the most stunning regions of Guatemala and beyond.
Finally, our trip will conclude by visiting Antigua for a bit of culture, more inspiring social and environmental initiatives, and reflection before we celebrate our adventure during our Feliz Viaje dinner.
What is Included
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Coordination & Fees
From the moment of arrival to departure, we coordinate and facilitate exceptional experiences, so your only priority is living your best impact life abroad.
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Bi-lingual Guide & Host
Spanish being the official national language, your local tour guide will accompany you every step of the way, while your host ensures a smooth experience behind the scenes.
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Private Transportation
We coordinate transportation throughout your journey with carefully vetted and trusted drivers on land and captains by water.
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Meals and Dining
From welcome dinner to our “Feliz Viaje!” celebration, we’ll enjoy authentic Guatemalan fare, as well as cross-cultural staples.
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Accommodations
Rest assured, we partner with leading hotels to book ideal accommodations that will leave you ready for the adventure ahead.
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Connection
Direct connections to lending partners and small business owners to learn first-hand operations, needs, and growth opportunities.
Added Bonuses
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Grants and Scholarships
A percentage of proceeds from each booking supports the growth of our Guatemalan team and counterparts.
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Carbon Offset
We calculate carbon emissions for each guest and support a certified carbon offset organization focused on reforestation and access to smoke-free stoves.
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Introduction to Facilitators
Should an organization speak to you, we introduce facilitators of investment and donation for trusted financial exchange.
Day-to-Day Itinerary
Each day of our journey is carefully curated to ensure an easy blend of cultural experiences, meeting communities, travel, and downtime. We believe travel should be comfortable, stimulating yet never overly active, and also allow for mindfulness and rest as needed.
During free mornings or afternoon rest (siesta), guests will also have an optional activity. If a grander excursion is calling you, just let your host or guide know and we’ll coordinate to bring the most out of your time with us.
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Once arrived at the airport, one of our trusted drivers will be waiting just outside the airport doors to sweep you away to a socially-conscious hotel empowering education.
Guests who need to withdraw cash or visit other vendors, simply let your guide know and they'll offer assistance. Should you arrive early in the morning, please know that we can help with planning to ensure a most fulfilling welcome!
After a quick siesta, we will enjoy a welcome happy hour before indulging in the delicious menu of a local favorite with scenic views of the town.
Meanwhile, you will meet your guide and host, as well as mingle with fellow travelers. Your host will also share more about the week ahead and review itinerary details.
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After breakfast, we’ll visit a company where women create opportunities by tapping into their creativity, as well as the importance of opportunities for women in Guatemala.
After, we’ll continue to Antigua for an afternoon learning about the town. Guests are welcome to explore on their own or join the group for a tour of Central Park and the famous Arch Street.
Later that night we’ll enjoy a private dining experience at a speakeasy restaurant to enjoy the talents of a well-known local chef.
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We’ll begin our adventure by visiting an organization ensuring communities have affordable access to potable water. For lunch, we’ll visit a nearby microbrewery to dine with an unclose view of Volcanoes Agua, Fuego, and Acatenango.
Returning to Antigua, guests are welcome to relax on their own for the afternoon or join an optional workshop at an organization employing a team of individuals living with disabilities.
For dinner, we’ll dine at an outdoor garden with eclectic fare and uniquely inventive cocktails for a night under the stars.
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After breakfast in Antigua, our private shuttle will take us to Lake Atitlan, where we'll first explore the industrial town of Panajachel. There, we'll learn about the more recent history of the Lake before a delicious lunch at a favorite local restaurant.
Onward to Santa Cruz la Laguna, we'll settle into our hotel and take in the views.
Once we’ve enjoyed a free afternoon along the water, we'll meet for happy hour and a memorable family-style dinner at our hotel, with a potential "open mic" night to show off our hidden talents!
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For breakfast, we'll take in a stunning view overlooking Lake Atitlan when visiting a vocational school. We'll learn how the school is teaching employable skills, supporting seven local communities, and offering student scholarships for university. There, we'll also enjoy a cultural activity before returning shoreside for lunch.
After, guests are welcome to enjoy a lakeside siesta or join our visit to San Juan la Laguna. This magical town is home to many Guatemalan cooperatives we’ll visit, one of which is using coffee sales to fund women’s empowerment.
Returning to Santa Cruz la Laguna, later that night we'll enjoy candlelight dinner along the water.
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We'll take a free morning to enjoy the tranquility of the Lake, SUP, swim, or kayak along the shores of Santa Cruz la Laguna. After, we will pack up and being our return to Antigua.
Once checked into our rooms and nestled, guests are welcome to enjoy the afternoon on their own or join a tour of a former monastery-turned-museum and resort before learning our unique nawals (Mayan spirit animals).
That evening, we'll head to a local brewery and restaurant to celebrate our trip for our Feliz Viaje dinner. There, we'll enjoy live music while we share our favorite experiences from our trip!
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All good things must come to an end, but it doesn't mean you can't take a part of Guatemala with you. We'll be sharing a (bonus) folder of candid pictures from throughout our trip along with a special thank you message.
Please confirm your departure date and time with us so we can coordinate your transportation to Aurora International Airport for a safe return home.
Payment Options
Payment options below are offered to accommodate guests’ needs whether with a payment plan, paying in full, or preferring to pay via a bank transfer or check. We strongly encourage guests to read through Naturally Smart Travel’s terms and conditions before processing payment.
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Make a Deposit
Of the $1999 total, guests must make a $450 non-refundable deposit to confirm their booking. Once processed, an email confirmation will be sent with future payment dates and communications schedule to prepare for the adventure of a lifetime.
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Make a Full Payment
Guests who pay in full ($1999) contribute $450 of the payment received to a non-refundable deposit. Once processed, an email confirmation will be sent with a communications schedule to prepare you for the Land of Eternal Spring (Guatemala).
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Electronic Transfer or Check
If an electronic transfer or check is your preferred method of payment, please email us for relevant bank information and mailing instructions by clicking the button below.
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About
Naturally Smart Travel coordinates sustainable group and private impact tours to create culturally immersive experiences throughout Guatemala. With our unique recipe for blending culture, low or high impact excursions, and community empowerment into every trip, we inspire opportunities for both conscious guests and social or environmental initiatives to thrive.